Man cave. Dude den. Command Center. These are real terms used to describe modern movie and gaming rooms—fortresses of solitude (that’s another one) where you can retreat, relax, and rewatch a movie you’ve seen 40 times. But this time in 4K!

I’ve never cared for “man cave” or “bro zone” or similar monikers. My preference is “parlour” with a “u” because it invokes a more sophisticated, elegant enclave for escape—the kind of place where you can unwind in a high-back Chesterfield chair with a snifter of iced Cointreau while Dooley Wilson sings “As Time Goes By.”

That’s just my vision. Yours can be anything you want, and if you’re dreaming of the perfect movie and gaming room, these are the essentials:

Draw attention with small details

This is your escape, so you want it to feel uniquely you. Wall décor can include art you create yourself or pieces that reflect your personality. There’s no shame in covering the walls in movie posters, just make sure they’re framed properly. Scatter the rest of the room with eye-catching and thought-provoking items, like Dwayne Johnson’s autobiography, The Rock Says… (for the jokes!) or Joanna Woolfolk’s Sexual Astrology, the ultimate coffee table conversation starter.

Sit on it

A premium gaming setup requires a premium seat, preferably six to nine feet from your screen. Herman Miller, Secretlab, and RESPAWN are among the most well-regarded makers of ergonomic gaming chairs. But if watching movies and sipping cocktails like a polished, stand-up citizen is what you prefer, go for the aforementioned Chesterfield or something mid-century modern. If you’re in host mode, invest in a second chair and a small Tuxedo sofa. Keep the brochure nearby so you can boast about the comfort, style, and functionality before directing everyone’s attention to that evening’s screening of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Sights and sounds

When you’re shopping in this category, prepare to hear or read the word “immersive.” A lot. The best media room setups have a high-quality sound system — think Dolby Atmos or 5.1 (five speakers and a subwoofer) or 7.1 surround sound. For your screen, opt for a wall-mounted 75-inch (‘cause you’re worth it) display with a high refresh rate and low input lag for gaming. Make sure to go with ambient lighting for atmosphere and, importantly, minimal glare.

Choose your borders

For the perfect media room, you must prioritize design, starting with your walls and floor. Why? Acoustics. Your heart may be set on a single color (don’t choose black) or wood paneling (Midwest basement den?), but try a damask pattern or textured wallpaper. Textured surfaces are preferable for sound absorption, and carpeting, a throw rug and even curtains can help reduce echo. You can go further with bass traps and foam treatments, if you insist. But you’re making a media room, not a recording studio.

Click HERE to subscribe for free to the Weekly Fix, the digital edition of Las Vegas Weekly! Stay up to date with the latest on Las Vegas concerts, shows, restaurants, bars and more, sent directly to your inbox!